LAND OF GREEN AND GOLD

Land of Green and Gold is the latest (13th) release by the Ukrainian band Karfagen. The music here is very positive and optimistic so this album is a real pleasure to listen to. This record is divided into three chapters, each chapter consists of tracks binded thematically. Each track flows naturally (the cohesion is just next-level, very tight performances) and at the same time has its own distinct flavour. Some fantastic passages are present throughout this album, we get truly virtuoso playing by these musicians and jazzy improvisation moments are even more prominent here (especially in Chapter 3: Land of Jazz) in comparison to their previous works. My favourite compositions are: Land of Green (Part 2) (10/10), Garden of Hope (Part 1) (9/10) and Land of Jazz (9/10), though each track is great in its own special way.

4,5 stars rounded up. One of the strongest works of Karfagen to date. For me it's up there with the Echoes from Within Dragon Island. Highly recommended to symphonic prog and rock fans and those in search of something melodic and adventurous.